Bear Tries Out An SUV

Occurred on September 7, 2023 / Breckenridge, Colorado, USA

: "I had just come in from an evening frisbee session with the dog and putting a camping chair back in my car. I heard some dumpster banging on the next road over and realized I hadn’t locked my car back up. I knew we had an active bear in the neighborhood, and this scenario had crossed my mind frequently. When I hit the lock button, the 'door ajar' beep started. I didn’t see anything unusual out the window other than the truck light on, so I went down to check it out. My driver's door was open, which confused me because I’d been home sick all day and didn’t drive. I only opened the trunk to put the chair in. Confused, I closed the door without looking in, not realizing what had happened. I went back inside. That’s when I put things together and checked the camera footage… I was too late! He was in and out like a seasoned professional, and luckily nothing seemed too damaged inside my beloved 4runner. A flipped center console, my emergency granola bar, and some muddy footprints all over the front seats and dash seem to be the extent of it. This is a good reminder to be extra bear aware, and vigilant with your trash this time of year as they fatten up for winter. A fed bear is a dead bear. Let’s keep our wildlife safe, and wild!!"